Faith Nyasuguta
Nigerian John Obot, hailing from Akwa Ibom State in the southern region of the country, has shattered the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest continuous reading aloud.
Obot beat the 124-hour mark set by Rysbai Isakov, an Indian who previously held the title, by clocking 145 hours.
Obot started reading on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Cityview Hall (LETTERS HOUSE), Watbridge Hotels & Suites in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, by 1 pm after some technical hitches with equipment and power failures that invalidated his initial attempt of over 45 hours.
After reaching the 145-hour mark on Monday, September 18, 2023, an excited Obot declared that he would continue reading until 10 pm Monday and thanked everyone present for the support.
Present at the ‘Readmania’ event to cheer up the marathoner were the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akon Eyakenyi, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Enobong Uwah.
Others were Commissioner of Education Idongesit Etiebiet and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Media, Anietie Usen, among other notable politicians and indigenes.
The venue of the event was packed full of supporters and admirers of the marathoner, who started a countdown for the reader when he reached 144 hours, 59 minutes, and 34 seconds.
The reading marathon was supported by Uyo Book Club, founded by Dr Udeme Nana, the Chief Programme Director of the Readmania Team.
John Obot, a school teacher, is the son of the late journalist John Obot, who died in active service as the Akwa Ibom State correspondent of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
This marks John Obot’s second attempt within a month, as his previous effort faced complications that led to its dismissal by the GWR.
In his first attempt, he began reading on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Cityview Hall (LETTERS HOUSE), Watbridge Hotels & Suites in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Technical difficulties and power failures rendered that initial endeavor invalid after reaching 145 hours.
Nigeria has witnessed a surge in individuals attempting to break Guinness World Records following the successful record-breaking feat of Nigerian cooking sensation Hilda Baci in May 2023.
This trend has inspired many Nigerians to strive for their own records, resulting in a staggering 1,500 submissions to Guinness World Records in just two months.
Prior to Ms. Baci’s accomplishment, Vincent Okezie, a 15-year-old secondary school student, had set four Guinness World Records in 2022, further fueling the nation’s enthusiasm for record-breaking achievements.
RELATED:
